Slow cooker recipes for fall

Michele Borboa, MS is a freelance writer and editor specializing in health, fitness, food, lifestyle, and pets. Michele is a health and wellness expert, personal chef, cookbook author, and pet-lover based in Bozeman, Montana. She is also...

Fall favorite slow cooker recipes

With your family's jam-packed work and school schedules getting even more loaded with the upcoming holidays, let the slow cooker become your best kitchen friend. Put your favorite lean proteins and vegetables in the "crock" in the morning and you'll have a hearty, balanced meal when you come home for dinner. You can even slow cook a dessert to satisfy your kids' (and your stress-induced) sweet tooth cravings. Here are three sumptuous slow cooker recipes for fall.

Slow cooker venison veggie stew

Living in Montana, game meat is aplenty and it is abounding with richly-flavored lean protein. Partner venison with a bounty of vegetables and you've got a balanced slow cooker meal that will keep your family well-fed on the busiest days of the season. If you don't have venison on hand, simply substitute two pounds of stew beef.

Serves 6

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 pounds cubed venison

2 onions, chopped

3 carrots, diced

3 stalks celery, sliced

1 red bell pepper, seeded, diced

1 (15 ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary

2 bay leaves

2 cups beef broth

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/2 cup sour cream

3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Directions:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, brown venison (adding more oil if necessary). Transfer venison and juices in skillet to a 4- to 5-quart slow cooker.

Add onion, carrots, celery, bell pepper, tomatoes, garlic, rosemary, bay leaves and broth to the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 6 hours or LOW for 8 to 10 hours.

Remove bay leaves. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Stir in sour cream and parsley. Serve hot.

Slow cooker curry chicken

Curry isn't just a warming wonderful spice. It is also a super spice that may reduce your risk of heart disease. Lean chicken breasts, broccoli, peppers, coconut oil and coconut milk give this slow cooker meal a scrumptious healthy appeal.

Directions:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger and chicken and cook, stirring often, until chicken is browned. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a 4- to 5-quart slow cooker.